The MWP Conversations series is about using the power of women to shift narratives and effect change. At our Healing Trauma event, we bring together personal storytellers, scientific experts, and women trained in mental health fields.We’ll explore how trauma affects us all, the community ramifications, and the latest efforts and resources in trauma-informed policy and care.The goal is to leave the session with a sense of solidarity and community, a broader understanding of individual and group trauma, and a stronger sense of evidence-based treatment options.

Opening Group Session (PRELIMINARY DRAFT)

A conversation with neuroscience and epigenetics experts, youth who have experienced racism and violence in the community, members of the Native community, innovators who are healing from sexual assault, addiction, and domestic violence, about:

1. BRAIN SCIENCE:How do adverse childhood experiences interfere with brain development, leading to long-term trauma that is often not diagnosed or treated?

2. INHERITANCE: What is generational trauma and how is its impact felt?

3. HEALING: How are trauma survivors exploring new pathways to healing?

Speakers to include: Naja McComb, Ashley Powell...

Diving Deeper: Breakout Sessions (PRELIMINARY DRAFT)

The Science of Trauma: What is NEAR science and what is it telling us about how neuroscience, epigenetics, adverse childhood experiences, and resilience are intertwined? A panel discussion about the science of trauma.

Acknowledging Impact: Why trauma is not ‘something in the past to forget about.’ A moderated conversation among trauma survivors. To include Shaundelle Darris...

Treatment & Solutions: How can the effects of trauma be mitigated? A panel discussion about evidence-based treatment that might deserve more support, funding, legislative action. What is the measurable impact of companion animals, EMDR and SMART therapy, yoga, meditation, and more?

Talking Addiction:What does the science of addiction tell us, and how can we better use that information to shift narratives about the issue? What are new methods toward treatment?

Meditation Space: A quiet room for meditative contemplation, along with art therapy, and a written explanation about why both options work.

Concluding Group Conversation

A summary of breakout discussions led by moderators, and a conversation about solutions for healing that participants would like to raise awareness about in the wider community. What are next steps in legislative action participants can take? Suggestions for how to support trauma as a societal concern, not simply an individual-by-individual mental health issue. Resources for exploring NEAR science in greater detail.

We have plans to develop a stronger website and create a women-focused podcast. If you would like to become a donor to our Storyteller Fund, and learn about investing in the growth of Minnesota Women's press, contact editor@womenspress.com.

April 25, 2018: “Powerful Everyday Women,” at Chowgirls venue. Our first MWP Conversation was a success, featuring six notable storytellers and more than 100 women. Focus: how we pledge to use the power of our voice as women this year. Click for storytellers.

January 15, 2019: “Healing Trauma,” at First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis. Focus: what NEAR science says about the impact of intergenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences, exploitation — and what is required for healing and restoration. Click for registration.